Seen a Rogue on the loose? Get in touch with our Roguemeister: JOHN SCHRAG jschrag@wweek.com (503) 243-2122 FAX: (503) 243-1115 Long ago, environmentalists, labor activists and education advocates wrote off Democrat Thomas Wilde of North Portland as someone who toes the party line--the Republican party line, that is. All session, Wilde has gleefully opposed key Democratic proposals. In spite of that, we've kept him out of our rogue's gallery. But his most recent breach of promise to his constituents has pushed us over the edge. When Wilde was elected in 1996, his campaign materials stated he would work to "protect personal rights for deciding when and where to have children." He received a full endorsement from the National Abortion Rights Action League--important backing in the heavily Democratic 8th District. Wilde threw NARAL a curve June 17 by casting one of the three votes needed to move a "partial-birth" abortion bill out of the Senate Public Affairs Committee. Not only did the senator vote for the bill, but he moved to add an amendment that would make performing the abortions a Class A felony. It's possible that Wilde has had a change of heart when it comes to certain types of abortion procedures; we wouldn't go after him for that. Many pro-choicers are conflicted over late-term abortions. But if that were the case, he should have at least had the decency to explain his vote. Instead, he made no comment during the hearing and did not contact NARAL. Wilde has not returned WW's calls. Not only that, but Wilde is now wavering on the issue of parental notification. For a candidate who promised voters and NARAL that he was going to be pro-choice, it shouldn't be a tough call. Once again, though, it appears the senator is planning on being the wild card. His constituents deserve better. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Willamette Week | originally published June 23, 1999